NEWSLETTER
Introduction
Olympic golf is a thrilling event that brings together the world’s best golfers to compete for national pride and Olympic glory. If you’re new to Olympic golf or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the format, schedule, and key details you need to know.
The Format of Olympic Golf
Individual Stroke Play
The Olympic golf competition follows an individual stroke play format. This means that each golfer competes individually, and the player with the lowest total number of strokes at the end of the tournament wins. Both men’s and women’s events follow this format.
Four Rounds of Competition
The competition consists of four rounds, each played over 18 holes, making a total of 72 holes. The player with the lowest cumulative score after all four rounds is awarded the gold medal, with silver and bronze medals going to the second and third place finishers, respectively.
A unique wrinkle that you won’t see in most stroke play (outside of Monday qualifiers) is playoffs for positions below first. Since medals need to be awarded to just the top three golfers, ties for 2nd or 3rd will be decided by a playoff. Last time out, in Japan, there was actually a 7-man tie for 3rd that needed a playoff to sort it out. C.T. Pan ended up on top and took the bronze medal.
Field Size and Qualification
The field for each event is limited to 60 players. Qualification is based on the Official World Golf Ranking, with a maximum of four players per country if they are ranked within the top 15, and a maximum of two players per country if they are ranked outside the top 15.
The Schedule
Competition Days
The golf competition at the Olympics typically spans four days, with one round played each day. The schedule is designed to ensure that players have ample time to rest and prepare between rounds.
Key Dates
The ladies tournament will run the following week with their Olympic Golf rounds starting on Wednesday, August 7th and running through Saturday, the 10th.
All eight rounds of Olympic golf are scheduled to start at 9AM local time, or 3AM eastern.
Tee Times and Pairings
Tee times and pairings for the first two rounds are usually determined by the tournament organizers, while the pairings for the final two rounds are based on the players’ scores, with leaders teeing off last.
Venue: Le Golf National
A World-Class Course
The 2024 Olympic golf competition will be held at Le Golf National in France. This prestigious course is known for its challenging layout, including water hazards, undulating fairways, and strategic bunkering, making it a true test for the world’s best golfers.
Spectator Experience
Le Golf National offers excellent viewing opportunities for spectators, with natural amphitheaters and modern amenities ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Key Players to Watch
Top Contenders
Keep an eye on top-ranked players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, who are expected to be strong contenders for the gold medal. The competition will also feature rising stars and seasoned veterans, making for an exciting and unpredictable event. Of course we also can’t rule out defending gold medalist, Xander Schauffele who’s currently in very good form.
Conclusion
Golf at the Olympics is a unique and thrilling event that showcases the sport’s top talent on a global stage. With its individual stroke play format, four rounds of intense competition, and a world-class venue like Le Golf National, the 2024 Olympic golf competition promises to be a highlight of the games. Mark your calendars and get ready to witness history in the making!
